1st Revenge Porn Suspect In Court Since New Law Passed

DENVER (CBS4)– Denver’s first case since Colorado lawmakers passed a so-called revenge porn bill is being heard in the courtroom.

The revenge porn law targets those who post intimate pictures and videos of former romantic partners with the intent to harass them.

Michael Clasen is accused of doing just that to a former girlfriend. He’s being held in the Denver Jail.

Clasen, 25, has been charged with six counts, including felony stalking and criminal mischief. It’s the misdemeanor charge that is getting attention, the so-called revenge porn, that Clasen apparently violated the day the law went into effect.

“We’ll have to prove that the victim was identifiable, that the pictures were intimate, posted without her knowledge and that it was done to embarrass or harass her,” said Denver District Attorney spokeswoman Lynn Kimbrough.

According to court documents, Clasen also allegedly slashed the tires of his 19-year-old ex-girlfriend and her mother. Then he is allegedly placed spike strips in their driveway.

Kimbrough hopes the new law acts as a deterrent, but for victims of revenge porn, recovery can be a long road.

“Slashed tires, damage to her car, these things can be repaired. She has this added element with something that is out on the internet that can’t necessarily be fixed,” said Kimbrough.

The revenge porn crime comes with a possible penalty of $10,000 and up to 18 months in jail.